The sacrifice made during Japan’s occupation must not be forgotten
Eighty years after the end of WWII, the best way of remembering those who gave so much is to do everything possible to rid the world of war
The many memorials marking this year’s 80th anniversary of the end of the second world war culminate this week with China’s Victory Day. A military parade in Beijing on Wednesday and other activities, including in Hong Kong, mark the formal surrender of Japan’s army in China, ending the 14-year conflict which cost an estimated 35 million Chinese lives.
This follows ceremonies around the world, from the poignant to the patriotic, commemorating the conclusion of the war in Europe in May and the announcement of Japan’s capitulation on August 15.
Such events, often attended by dwindling numbers of very old veterans, serve the important purpose of remembering the sacrifices made to secure victory and bring peace.
Sadly, the horror of war has not been consigned to the history books. The scenes of devastation in Gaza and last week’s drone and missile attacks on Kyiv leave us in no doubt about that. The post-war world order, intended to bring lasting peace and security, has failed to either prevent or stop the carnage.